Italian gothic metal band Lacuna Coil made a bold artistic choice by covering Depeche Mode’s iconic track “Enjoy The Silence.” This decision came during the creation of their fourth studio album, *Karmacode*, which followed their successful 2002 release, *Comalies*. This move was not only a tribute to a band that inspired them but also a significant risk, as it involved reinterpreting a classic.
Lacuna Coil’s Tribute to Depeche Mode
The cover of “Enjoy The Silence” was initially proposed by Lacuna Coil’s vocalist, Cristina Scabbia. She expressed her admiration for Depeche Mode in an interview with *Metal Hammer*. The track was intended to provide a fresh perspective while maintaining the essence of the original.
Album Background
Lacuna Coil was in the process of crafting their fourth album, *Karmacode*, in 2005. This album was crucial for the band as they sought to create a distinct sound that set them apart from their previous work.
The Cover’s Journey
While the band had a substantial amount of original material, Scabbia suggested adding a cover song as a way to honor their musical influences. A key figure in this decision was Marco “Coti” Zelati, the band’s bassist, who initially hesitated but ultimately embraced the project when it took on a distinctive Lacuna Coil style.
Securing Permissions
Before officially including the cover on the album, Lacuna Coil needed approval from Depeche Mode. They reached out to Ronald Prent, the producer who worked with Depeche Mode on the original hit. His connections eventually led to Depeche Mode endorsing their reinterpretation.
Release and Reception
Released on July 11, 2006, as the second single from *Karmacode*, the cover received positive feedback from both Lacuna Coil and Depeche Mode fans. It achieved significant success, reaching the top 30 in Spain and Italy, and narrowly missing the UK top 40.
- Released: July 11, 2006
- Chart Performance: Top 30 in Spain and Italy
- UK Chart: Missed top 40 by one spot
Impact on the Band’s Career
The cover helped Lacuna Coil gain recognition beyond the metal scene. According to Andrea Ferro, “Enjoy The Silence” allowed them to reach a wider audience, increasing airplay on platforms like MTV. The song ultimately became one of the band’s most recognized tracks.
Legacy and Acknowledgment
In 2009, Depeche Mode’s lead singer, Dave Gahan, publicly acknowledged Lacuna Coil’s version, stating it impressed him. As of 2026, the cover remains Lacuna Coil’s most-streamed song, demonstrating that their risk was worthwhile. Scabbia reflected on this, expressing pride in the enduring popularity of their rendition.
Lacuna Coil’s interpretation of “Enjoy The Silence” serves as a testament to the power of musical homage and the potential for reinvention within the metal genre.
